What do most Orthoptera eat?

Most members of the order Orthoptera are herbivorous, possessing mouthparts specifically adapted for chewing plant matter. Their diet typically consists of leaves, stems, flowers, and seeds. While the majority of grasshoppers are strictly plant feeders, some species are highly specialized, restricting their diet to a single plant species or a specific group of plants.123

However, the order is diverse, and feeding habits can vary significantly:

• Predatory behavior: Some insects within primarily herbivorous groups also consume other animals. For example, certain katydids are active predators of other insects.14
• Mixed diets: Tree crickets (Oecanthus) regularly supplement their plant-based diet by consuming aphids and other weak insects.1
• Life cycle variations: In some species, feeding habits change depending on the life stage, meaning nymphs and adults may not consume the same types of plants.1

Because of their feeding habits, many orthopterans play a significant role in shaping vegetation patterns and nutrient cycling within their ecosystems.3